Funding, Tools & Resources
- Funding
- Tools & Resources
- Background Documents
- BC Communities with Sustainability Plans
- Related Post-Secondary Programs
- Other Useful Sites
Funding Opportunities
Overview of related grants and associated deadlines on CivicInfo website
www.civicinfo.bc.ca/18.asp
BC Healthy Communities
www.bchealthycommunities.ca/Content/News/Index.asp
- This program provides seed grants that encourage and support efforts to improve community health and well-being and promote optimum human development in communities throughout the province.
BC Real Estate Foundation “Communities in Transition” (CIT) Program
www.realestatefoundation.com/citsummary.html
- CIT's mission is to support values-based planning processes that balance social, environmental, economic, and governance concerns to address regional and local land use and conservation issues in non-metropolitan areas of BC.
- Application details are available on the website above.
BC Real Estate Foundation “Green Building Grant Program”
www.realestatefoundation.com/greenbuilding.html
- The Green Building Grant Program was established by the Real Estate Foundation and Vancity Credit Union to minimize the impacts of climate change and improve sustainable land use practices by supporting green building initiatives in British Columbia. The overall goal of the funding program is to reduce CO2 emissions resulting from settlement activity.
- Application details and forms are available on the website above.
Building Canada Fund (BCF)
Under development, announcement expected in 2008. Through the BCF, significant investments will be made to build, enhance and modernize public infrastructure in British Columbia and across Canada. BCF projects will foster economic growth, support a cleaner environment or promote stronger and safer communities. The framework agreement between the federal government and provincial government of BC provides for a total of $1.04 billion over seven years.
www.buildingcanada-chantierscanada.gc.ca/plandocs/agreements-ententes/ifa-eci-bc-eng.html
Building Governance Capacity
Funding from the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation to assist local governments and First Nations that have an established working relationship to address specific capacity gaps related to governance. Apply here:
www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/funding/first-nations-relations/building-governance-capacity.html
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Grants and Awards Program
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/graw
Community Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy: Support Program Guide
BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources updated guide (updated November 2009) for bio-energy, highlighting funding that can be accessed by First Nations. Download:
http://smartplanning.pcna.ca/files/Funding
Community Planning Grants
BEAT — the Path to Health provides funding for 10 communities to develop plans or amend existing plans for active transportation infrastructure (Phase 1).
In Phase 2, there will be 10 grants of $15,000 to $25,000, available in the spring of 2009.
For details, visit the BEAT online information page.
Columbia Basin Trust Community Development Program
- The Community Development Program responds to project proposals or ideas from Basin communities, groups and organizations that build capacity within the Basin in ways that are consistent with the Columbia Basin Trust’s mandate of supporting the efforts of the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.
- More information is available at www.cbt.org/main/default.asp .
Community Action on Energy and Emissions (CAEE) Grants
www.bcclimateexchange.ca/index.php?p=caee
- The CAEE program (formerly Community Action on Energy Efficiency) provides support to BC local governments and First Nations to advance energy efficiency in buildings, renewable energy and sustainable transportation through policy and planning tools.
- More details are available on the website above.
Community-to-Community Forums
www.civicnet.bc.ca/siteengine/activepage.asp?PageID=158&bhcp=1
- Administered by Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), the Community-to-Community Forums bring together members of municipal councils and/or regional boards with First Nation band council members and other community leaders. These events offer the opportunity to discuss issues related to sustainability and Smart Planning for Communities, coordinate efforts and develop partnerships for implementing smart, sustainable projects.
- Application Guide available at: www.civicnet.bc.ca/files/%7B102EE2E8-CB63-4501-BA79-4DC310B065FE%7D2008-09%20C2C%20Program%20Guide.pdf
Community Works Fund (UBCM through Gas Tax Agreement)
All local governments outside of Metro Vancouver automatically receive funding through the Community Works Fund.
www.civicnet.bc.ca/EN/main/funding/gas-tax-fund/program.html
Cycling Infrastructure Partnerships Program
www.th.gov.bc.ca/BikeBC/CIPP.html
CIPP is a cost-shared program where the Government of British Columbia will partner with local governments in the construction of new transportation cycling
infrastructure. All British Columbia municipalities and regional districts are eligible to apply for up to $250,000 in CIPP funding.
Equilibrium Communities Initiative
www.ecoaction.gc.ca/equilibrium-eng.cfm
This initiative will seek to improve community planning and develop healthy sustainable communities that are energy-efficient, economically viable and vibrant places to live.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund
www.sustainablecommunities.fcm.ca/GMF
- This fund upports:
- sustainable community plans
- feasibility studies and field tests
- capital projects.
- More details, application guidelines and deadlines are available on the website above.
First Nations Funding for Comprehensive Community Planning (CCP)
BC Capacity Initiative
www.bccapacity.orgThe application for funding support through the BC Capacity Initiative (BCCI), closes in November of each year. The next round will be for 2009/10 projects. Funds for individual First Nations are available, up to $75,000 per project, per community, per fiscal year. Aggregations of First Nations communities are eligible for up to $200,000 per project, per year.
First Nations Infrastructure Fund (FNIF)
www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/hsg/cih/ci/ic/index_e.htmlThe FNIF has an eligible activity stream that supports comprehensive community planning (CCP). Fund applications have closed for 2008/09 projects, but more information is available at the above website.
Professional and Institutional Development Program (P&ID)
The P&ID Program may provide support if a First Nation community has training needs that directly relate to getting ready for CCP. Contact: Paul Miller, INAC BC Region, Lands and Trusts Services Directorate at millerp@inac-ainc.gc.ca.
Gas Tax Fund (GTF)
Capacity Building and Integrated Community Sustainability Planning (ICSP)
www.civicnet.bc.ca/EN/main/funding/gas-tax-fund/about.html
The Union of BC Municipalities administers The Gas Tax Fund (GTF) to eligible local governments through the Community Works Fund. The GTF targets the achievement of three outcomes through the implementation of infrastructure projects: reduced greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner air and cleaner water.
In addition to Community Works Funds, the GTF employs three funding mechanisms to deliver pooled funding to eligible recipients: the General Strategic Priorities Fund, the Innovations Fund and the Regionally Significant Priorities Fund.
More detailed information on program objectives, eligible entities and projects and application details are available at www.civicnet.bc.ca/EN/main/funding/gas-tax-fund/program.html
Green City Awards
www.greencityawards.gov.bc.ca
- Financial recognition by the BC government of those innovative local governments that are making a difference in designing sustainable and vibrant communities that encourage physical activity, energy conservation, and produce environmental benefits.
Heritage Planning Funding
www.tsa.gov.bc.ca/heritage/local_government/planning_fund.htm
- This funding is administered by the BC Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Arts, a variety of community heritage planning programs exist to encourage and support local governments in conserving British Columbia’s heritage. These programs are designed to assist communities in planning and developing self-sustaining heritage conservation programs.
- Details are available on the website above.
Infrastructure Planning Grant Program
www.cserv.gov.bc.ca/lgd/infra/infrastructure_grants/index.htm
- Provincial funding program administered by the BC Ministry of Community Services for long-term plans and assessment studies to support local government infrastructure.
- More details are available on the above website
Legacies Now — Creative Communities Program
Funding is available to local governments to:
- Undertake cultural scans of local cultural assets, strengths, challenges and aspirations to provide the groundwork for the development of a cultural plan; and
- Undertake cultural planning that local governments can implement and evaluate their progress.
- Application details are available at www.2010legaciesnow.com/creative_communities
LocalMotion
www.localmotion.gov.bc.ca
- This provincial government funding program provides local governments funding assistance for capital projects that make communities greener, healthier and more active and accessible places in which to live. The program provides extra resources for projects that encourage people to get out and be more active, support a reduction in car dependency and associated greenhouse gas emissions and meet the mobility needs of seniors and people with disabilities.
Municipal Infrastructure Loan program
www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan/hemubustco/muinleprho.cfm
This program provides direct low interest loans for a wide variety of projects, such as greenways, water infrastructure, power generation, lighting. The program is a part of the federal stimulus package. Contact Lance Jakubec at ljakubec(at)cmhc.ca for more information.
New Horizon for Seniors Program & Service Canada
Capital Assistance Funding up to $25,000 to repair water and heating systems, update wiring and insulation, purchase equipment, and more, for seniors facilities.
www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/community_partnerships/seniors/nhsp/ca/index.shtml
New Relationship Trust Building Capacity
First Nation initiatives for Education, Elders and Youth, and Governance Capacity are now open for funding applications. Apply here:
www.newrelationshiptrust.ca/initiatives/deadlines
Partners in Organizational Development
www.centreforsustainability.ca/programs
The Centre for Sustainability delivers Partners in Organizational Development (POD), a technical assistance granting program for not-for-profit organizations in
British Columbia about Social Services, Arts and Environvironment.
Smart Development Partnerships
www.cserv.gov.bc.ca/lgd/intergov_relations/smart_development/index.htm
- Funding administered by the BC Ministry of Community Services for local government partnerships with developers, agencies and others, to research unique land use planning problems and decision-making.
- Partnership projects focus on key priorities, including:
- building cooperation among local governments and between local governments and the province;
- encouraging innovation and capacity-building in local government planning and decision-making;
- improving housing affordability; and
- promoting efficient and cost-effective infrastructure.
- A detailed program outline is available on the website above.
Towns for Tomorrow
www.townsfortomorrow.gov.bc.ca
- Provincial government funding program for BC’s smaller communities to improve their local infrastructure and become even better places to live and work.
- Projects supported include water quality and energy improvements, enhancement of protective and emergency infrastructure services, as well as the development of recreation, tourism or cultural amenities with long-term benefits for local citizens.
Tools and Resources
- Active Communities Initiative: BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA), in partnership with 2010 Legacies Now, leads the Active Communities initiative. The grants program is designed to support development of active community plans, program implementation, maintenance of trailway / walkway / bikeway, assessment of active transportation needs and organizing special active events.
www.activecommunities.bc.ca
- Age-Friendly Rural and Remote Communities: a Guide
www.seniorsincommunities.ca/upload/dcd172_AFRRC_en.pdf
- Benefits of Investing in Active Transportation
http://physicalactivitystrategy.ca/pdfs/BEAT_Publication.pdf
- BEAT Neighbourhood Assessment
www.physicalactivitystrategy.ca/pdfs/B.E.A.T.Neighbourhood_Assessment.pdf
- BC Climate Action Toolkit: provides the latest news, best practices and practical advice to help BC local governments successfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions
www.toolkit.bc.ca
- Community Assessment Template (developed by BC Ministry of Community Services, 2007)
- Community Energy Association Funding Guide (in partnership with Smart Planning for Communities)
www.communityenergy.bc.ca/news/funding-your-community-energy-and-climate-change-initiatives
- Community Futures Aboriginal Engagement Toolkit
www.communityfutures.ca/provincial/bc/programs/economic-development/aboriginal-initiatives.php
Community Planning Funding Sources, Case Studies & Best Practices: A Resource List for BC’s First Nations Governments
http://smartplanning.pcna.ca/files/Community%20Planning%20Resources%20for%20First%20Nations%20Governments
- CCP Handbook: Comprehensive Community Planning for First Nations in BC
www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/scr/bc/proser/fna/ccp/index-eng.asp
- Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Tools and Resources for Capacity Building in Sustainable Community Planning
www.sustainablecommunities.fcm.ca/Capacity_Building/Sustainable_Community_Planning/default.asp
- Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) searchable database of approved projects in sustainable planning
www.sustainablecommunities.ca/Search/Search/Search.aspx?lang=e
- Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) examples of Sustainable Community Plans in Canada
www.sustainablecommunities.fcm.ca/GMF/Examples-of-Sustainable-Community-Plans.asp
- A Guide to Aboriginal Organisations and Services in British Columbia - a provincial resource listing of 800 community-based services and organisations, most of which are Aboriginal controlled and operated.
www.gov.bc.ca/arr/services/down/guidetoservices_2009.pdf
- Green Bylaws Toolkit
A guide to land use regulatory tools to promote the conservation of sensitive ecosystems and green infrastructure. It includes a compendium of proven planning tools to assist planners and decisions makers in planning for sustainable communities.
www.greenbylaws.ca
- Playbook for Green Buildings and Neighbourhoods
www.greenplaybook.org
- Smart Planning for Communities: 2009 "Moving Sustainability Forward" workshop presentations
http://smartplanning.pcna.ca/files/Moving Sustainability Foward Nov. 3-4/
- SPARC BC
The Community Development Education Program is a series of free or low-cost workshops available to rural and Northern BC communities, delivered in the
community by a trained and knowledgeable facilitator.
www.sparc.bc.ca
- Waterbucket: Sustainable Approaches to Water Resources
www.waterbucket.ca
Background Documents
BC Ministry of Community Services: The Integrated Community Sustainability Planning (ICSP) Initiative: Backgrounder, February 2007
www.cserv.gov.bc.ca/LGD/intergov_relations/library/ICSP_Backgrounder.pdf
BC Ministry of Community Services Press Release: Rewards Recognize BC’s Most Innovative Green Cities
www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2007OTP0138-001193.htm
Capacity Building and ICSP (Dec. 2007)
www.civicnet.bc.ca/files/%7BF35FC932-CAFD-4CA5-9299-D38537D3E15A%7DICSP%20Framework%20Guide.pdf
Capacity Building and ICSP Guide
www.civicnet.bc.ca/files/%7B1F3DD10E-7B3F-4747-ADE9-75404E567C93%7DApr08-ICSP%20ProgGuide.pdf
BC Communities with Sustainability Plans
Dawson Creek
www.planningforpeople.ca/index.asp
District of Maple Ridge
www.mapleridge.org/EN/sustainability/index.html
City of Rossland
cfdcmall.com/cms/index.php?id=338
District of Ucluelet
www.ucluelet.ca/district/planning.php
City of North Vancouver (in progress)
www.cnv.org/server.aspx?c=3&i=541
City of Wiliams Lake
www.imagineourfuture.ca
Whistler
www.whistler2020.ca
Related Post-Secondary Programs
Design Centre for Sustainability
University of British Columbia – an umbrella organization in partnership with the UBC Centre for Architecture and Landscape Architecture
www.dcs.sala.ubc.ca
Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions
Building on the strengths of BC’s four research-intensive universities, (University of Victoria, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University and University of British Columbia the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) will harness the intellectual resources of BC to develop innovative climate change solutions, seek new opportunities for positive adaptation, and lead the way to a vibrant low-carbon economy.
www.pics.uvic.ca
Simon Fraser University City Program: Sustainable Community Development Certificate
www.sfu.ca/city/sustain.htm
SFU's City Program and the SFU Centre for Sustainable Community Development offer a certificate program in Sustainable Community Development and are now accepting 2008 cohert applications.
Other Useful Sites
- Alberta Union of Municipal Association (AUMA) Municipal Sustainability Planning
www.msp.auma.ca - BC Small Community Infrastructure Sustainability
www.bc.smallcommunityinfrastructure.ca - The Centre for Whole Communities
www.wholecommunities.org - Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Centre for Sustainable Community Development
www.sustainablecommunities.fcm.ca/home - Indian and Northern Affairs Canada – BC Region “Comprehensive Community Planning”
www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/bc/proser/fna/ccp/ccp_e.html - ICLEI — Local Governments for Sustainability
www.iclei.org - International Centre for Sustainable Cities (ICSC)
www.icsc.ca - Livcom Awards — The International Awards for Liveable Communities
www.livcomawards.com/index.htm - The Natural Step Canada
www.naturalstep.ca - Pembina Institute
communities.pembina.org - Simon Fraser University Centre for Sustainable Community Development
www.sfu.ca/cscd - Smart Communities (US)
www.smartcommunities.ncat.org - Smart Growth BC
www.smartgrowth.bc.ca - Smart Growth on the Ground
www.sgog.bc.ca - Sustainable Communities Network (US)
www.sustainable.org/information/aboutsuscom.html - Sustainable Community Planning CMHC
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/su/sucopl/index.cfm - Sustainable Communities Forum: Local Government Making a Difference. March, 2008.
Conference Presentations available at www.solutions.ca/sooke - UBC Design Centre for Sustainability
www.dcs.sala.ubc.ca - West Coast Environmental Law
www.wcel.org
